A lamp usually costs less than $1 to about $2 per month to run, depending on bulb wattage, daily use, and the local electricity rate. At 5 hours of use per day and $0.16 per kilowatt-hour, a 9-watt LED costs about $0.22 monthly, while a 60-watt incandescent costs about $1.44.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LED electricity cost | $0.07/month | $0.22/month | $0.77/month | 3-15 watts, 5 hours daily, $0.10-$0.35/kWh |
| Incandescent electricity cost | $0.48/month | $1.44/month | $5.04/month | 60 watts, 5 hours daily, same rate range |
| Annual LED electricity | $0.84 | $2.63 | $9.20 | Estimates exclude bulb purchase |
| Annual incandescent electricity | $5.76 | $17.52 | $61.32 | Actual bills vary by utility |
Assumptions: 30-day month, 5 hours of use daily, and electricity rates of $0.10, $0.16, or $0.35 per kWh.
Typical monthly cost for a 9-watt LED lamp
For everyday use, the electricity charge for a typical LED lamp is only a few dollars per year. A 9-watt bulb used 5 hours daily consumes 1.35 kilowatt-hours per month. At the example average rate of $0.16/kWh, that is about $0.22 monthly or $2.63 yearly. A 10-watt bulb under the same conditions costs about $0.24 per month.
These estimates cover electricity, not the lamp itself, bulb replacement, or a delivery charge. A lamp used for 10 hours daily costs twice as much as one used 5 hours daily. A dimmer may reduce use when it lowers light output, but the amount depends on the bulb and dimmer compatibility.
How bulb wattage and electricity rates shape the bill
Wattage, operating hours, and the utility’s price per kilowatt-hour determine the running cost. The estimate uses this calculation:
For example, a 60-watt incandescent running 5 hours a day uses 9 kWh in 30 days. At $0.16/kWh, its electricity charge is $1.44 per month. A 9-watt LED providing comparable light uses 1.35 kWh, costing about $0.22. The difference is about $1.22 monthly for one lamp.
| Cost component | LED example | Incandescent example | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity, hourly | $0.0014 | $0.0096 | Wattage and rate at $0.16/kWh |
| Electricity, monthly | $0.22 | $1.44 | 5 hours daily for 30 days |
| Bulb purchase | $2-$8 | $1-$3 | Brand, brightness, dimming features |
| Replacement labor | $0 for typical household use | $0 for typical household use | May cost extra for high or hard-to-reach fixtures |
| Estimated first-year total | $2.22-$8.22 | $6.76-$8.76 | One bulb purchase plus average electricity |
Daily hours and bulb type that change the estimate
Use above 8 hours a day or a bulb above 15 watts to check the estimate more closely. A 9-watt LED used 3 hours daily costs about $0.13 per month at $0.16/kWh; at 10 hours daily it costs about $0.43. A 100-watt incandescent at 5 hours daily costs about $2.40 per month at that rate.
Brightness is measured in lumens, not watts. A typical 800-lumen LED uses roughly 8-12 watts, while an incandescent producing similar brightness often uses about 60 watts. Specialty bulbs, such as high-output or decorative models, may consume more power; check the wattage printed on the bulb or packaging.
What does one lamp cost over a year?
A year-long estimate helps compare bulb choices using the same schedule and power rate. The examples below use $0.16/kWh and 5 hours of use per day; totals include electricity only, not the bulb price.
| Use case | Wattage | Monthly electricity | Annual electricity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small LED reading lamp | 5 watts | $0.12 | $1.46 |
| Standard LED table lamp | 9 watts | $0.22 | $2.63 |
| Incandescent table lamp | 60 watts | $1.44 | $17.52 |
| High-output incandescent | 100 watts | $2.40 | $29.20 |
Regional electricity rates raise or lower lamp costs
Electricity prices can make the same lamp cost several times more to operate. At $0.10/kWh, a 9-watt LED used 5 hours daily costs about $1.64 yearly. At $0.35/kWh, it costs about $5.75. A 60-watt incandescent under those conditions costs about $10.95 or $38.33 yearly, respectively.
Rates differ by state, utility, and plan, and some bills include fixed fees that do not change when a lamp is switched off. For a useful estimate, use the energy rate on the bill rather than dividing the total bill by household usage. Time-of-use plans can also make evening lamp use more expensive during peak hours.
LED bulbs cost less to run than incandescent bulbs
An LED can reduce a lamp’s electricity use by roughly 80%-90% when it replaces an incandescent of similar brightness. At 5 hours daily and $0.16/kWh, the estimated annual electricity savings are about $14.89 for one 60-watt bulb replaced with a 9-watt LED. The savings rise with longer use and higher electricity rates.
The bulb’s purchase price affects the first-year total. An LED priced at $2-$8 may cost more upfront than an incandescent, but it generally uses less electricity and lasts longer. Check compatibility before using an LED in a dimmable lamp or enclosed fixture; an unsuitable bulb may flicker or have a shorter service life.
Lower lamp running costs by controlling hours and wattage
Reducing unnecessary operating hours usually saves more than unplugging a lamp between uses. Turning off a 60-watt incandescent for one hour daily saves about $3.50 per year at $0.16/kWh; doing the same with a 9-watt LED saves about $0.53. A timer or smart plug can help when lamps are regularly left on, though the device itself may use a small amount of power.
Choose a bulb that provides the needed brightness without exceeding the fixture’s wattage limit, and compare lumens before choosing a lower-wattage option. If a lamp is used frequently, replacing an incandescent with an appropriately rated LED can reduce operating expense. For infrequent use, the difference may be only a few dollars per year, so bulb price and expected lifetime also matter.